Recently laid off from an insurance job, and am strongly considering going through CDL training at Jacksonville, FL's FCCJ. I'm 34, in excellent health, have clean driving/criminal records, and have always dreamt of being an OTR driver, despite having never been behind the wheel of a truck.
I've read a number of posts, regarding the current state of the industry, and am curious to know if I've any hope of making a living driving, or if I'd be better off turning my attentions elsewhere.
Any advice you might grant would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Am I completely foolish to think of starting a career in trucking now?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by october, Jan 23, 2010.
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If you hate being home, Don't expect time off. Love working 70 plus hours each week. Add up the hours you work and divide it by the Min. wage and you realize that you make less, and it is still OK, then it is a good job for you.
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There are a lot of postings from individuals that go to CDL schools in FL only to find out no one will hire them OTR simply because they live in Florida.
A couple guys have moved or set up residency in neighbooring states just to get a job. -
I can't speak to getting hired in FL, but I was in similar circumstances to yours and decided to go into trucking. I finished school a year ago in December and started driving in January, 2009. I read all of the same negative posts, heard the same negative comments, etc., that you have come across. Becoming a trucker required a huge adjustment in lifestyle, etc. I am happy, however, to report that one year later, I'm thrilled with my decision and I'm making more money now, annually, than I did in my previous 20 years in sales and insurance. You need to do some research and pick the best job offer available to a new trainee. Your first position won't likely be your best, but it will get you the experience you need to get to a better carrier and better pay.
mceheel, JustSonny, RACEFAN and 1 other person Thank this. -
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What you don't want to do is follow the herds to the carriers constantly hiring from the CDL mills . They have no concern or rspect for drivers . In another thread I pointed out SafeStat data shows the number of drivers at U.S. Xpress hasn't changed in the past year and a half . But they are constantly running new hires through orientation .
Check with smaller carriers in your area . Check online employment sites like Monster.com . I just looked a Monster and Snapple is looking for a driver in the Lake City area to deliver vending equipment . No , you wouldn't be Billy Big Rigger running across the country but you'd have more job security and be treated with respect , probably with good chance of advancement . -
Forget about it, go do something easy like a Crab Fisherman in Alaska or something.
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I'd try for a job flipping burgers! The pay at this time is better than driving and paying STUPID money to a driver mill!
october Thanks this. -
ricks advise would be the best one to check out as far as finding a solid company in your area. on the bottom of this page there is a box that you can open that has names of quite a few companies that you can go check out their websites and a lot of them will show the areas that they hire from. good luck friend and welcome to the forum...
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
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